Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for organizing collagen into fibrillar networks, e.g, short and long-range organization. Collagen produced by the disclosed methods can be used for tissue engineering.

Abstract: A method of manipulating an organic nanostructure is disclosed. The method comprises: contacting a liquid sample having the organic nanostructure therein with an arrangement of electrodes, and applying voltage to the arrangement of electrodes to manipulate and immobilize the organic nanostructure over the electrodes by electrokinetics.

Abstract: An integrated bio-analysis system incorporates built-in sample preparation capabilities. In one aspect of the present invention, a bio-analysis instrument is provided with a built-in sample preparation device based on PCR (or thermal cycling block/module). In one embodiment of the present invention, a peltier unit in the sample preparation device provides thermal cycling of samples supported in a multi-well tray. In another aspect of the present invention, a CE instrument is provided with a built-in sample preparation capability, which may comprise a sample preparation (bio-molecular reaction) device based on thermal cycler type. In another aspect of the present invention, a PCR device is provided with a built-in analysis device, such as a CE device, for verifying the results of the PCR (bio-molecular reaction) process.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for characterizing complex polymeric mixture of interest. Candidate solutions are eliminated from a solution space using one or more experimental measurements of a polymeric mixture of interest. The elimination step can be repeated one or more times using different experimental measurements produced by various chemical and physical protocols, so that the remaining candidate solutions converge to describe the actual polymeric mixture under investigation. Once the composition of the complex polymeric mixture has been characterized, the information thus generated can be used to facilitate, for example, the manufacture of a bio-equivalent of the complex polymeric mixture.

Abstract: A method for analyzing hemoglobin by electrophoresis, capable of analyzing hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and modified hemoglobin with improved accuracy in a shortened analysis time is provided. The method for analyzing hemoglobin by electrophoresis includes performing electrophoresis under conditions in which an acidic substance having two or more carboxyl groups is present in an electrophoresis solution. At least two of the carboxyl groups of the acidic substance each have an acid dissociation constant (pKa) lower than the pH of the electrophoresis solution at the time of analysis.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method for diagnosing an arthritic condition and a gastrointestinal inflammatory disorder in a companion animal. The invention also encompasses a method for identifying ingredients for a pet food composition that are suitable for preventing, ameliorating the symptoms of, or treating an arthritic condition or gastrointestinal inflammatory disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various in vitro methods of diagnosing a vasoregulation disorder or a predisposition thereto in a subject being suspected of having developed or of having a predisposition to develop a vasoregulation disorder or in a subject being suspected of being a carrier for a vasoregulation disorder, wherein the vasoregulation disorder is selected from hypertension, migraine, pre-eclampsia and recurrent pregnancy loss. Moreover, the present invention also relates to methods for identifying compounds capable of modulating coagulation factor XII activity, suitable as medicaments or as lead compound for a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of a vasoregulation disorder. Furthermore, the present invention relates to gene therapy methods and to a kit for diagnosing a vasoregulation disorder.

Abstract: A device for manipulating and observing suspended particles in a liquid. The device includes: a first substrate including at least one first orifice forming an inlet site for the liquid, an observation site for observing the suspended particles, and a mechanism displacing the liquid from the inlet site to the observation site. The first substrate includes a first hydrophobic layer. The liquid is electrically conducting. The liquid can be displaced as a droplet by electrowetting, the droplet being in contact with the hydrophobic layer.

Abstract: Polynucleotides and primers flanking a variable region of the intron of the chloroplast gene trnL of plant materials for detecting and identifying plant species, and methods for detecting and identifying plant species in complex or degraded mixtures.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to cutting single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT). In one embodiment, the present invention provides for preparations of homogeneous populations of short carbon nanotube molecules by cutting and annealing (reclosing) the nanotube pieces followed by fractionation. The cutting and annealing processes may be carried out on a purified nanotube bucky paper, on felts prior to purification of nanotubes or on any material that contains single-wall nanotubes. In one embodiment, oxidative etching with concentrated nitric acid is employed to cut SWNTs into shorter lengths. The annealed nanotubes may be disbursed in an aqueous detergent solution or an organic solvent for the fractionation. Closed tubes can also be derivatized to facilitate fractionation, for example, by adding solubilizing moieties to the end caps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid marker ladder which is a restriction endonuclease digest, wherein a nucleic acid restriction endonuclease digest is a collection of nucleic acid fragments resulting from complete digestion of one or more nucleic acids by one or more restriction endonucleases; the restriction endonuclease digest contains at least 3 fragments; and the size of the fragments in base pairs is a multiple of an integer, wherein the integer is 10 or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of evaluating CHO cells and producing recombinant glycoproteins.

Abstract: Methods for detecting one or more analytes, such as a protein, in a fluid path are provided. The methods include resolving, immobilizing and detecting one or more analytes in a fluid path, such as a capillary. Also included are devices and kits for performing such assays.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions, and methods for optical, including fluorescence optical, determinations useful in labeling biomolecules such as protein and deoxyribonucleic acid for their detection and quantitation. The compounds are diastereomeric cyanines with high hydrophilicity and other desirable properties.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus includes a sample separating section for containing a sample separating medium for separating a sample in a horizontal direction, the sample separating section containing the sample separating medium in such a manner that the sample separating medium has an exposed portion at least one end of a surface of the sample separating medium, the surface being in parallel with the horizontal direction; and medium connecting means for connecting a sample containing medium to the sample separating medium at a connecting region, the sample containing medium containing a sample, and the connecting region satisfying a particular equation. By this, an electrophoresis technique with better accuracy than conventional arts can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, monitors and systems measuring lysophosphatidylcholine, its derivatives and/or procalcitonin as well as at least one clinical marker (e.g. temperature or respiration rate) and/or at least one biomarker for the early detection of sepsis in a subject.

Abstract: Devices and techniques are described that involve a combination of multidimensional electrokinetic, dielectrophoretic, electrophoretic and fluidic forces and effects for separating cells, nanovesicles, nanoparticulates and biomarkers (DNA, RNA, antibodies, proteins) in high conductance (ionic) strength biological samples and buffers. In disclosed embodiments, a combination of continuous and/or pulsed dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces, continuous and/or pulsed field DC electrophoretic forces, microelectrophoresis and controlled fluidics are utilized with arrays of electrodes. In particular, the use of chambered DEP devices and of a properly scaled relatively larger electrode array devices that combines fluid, electrophoretic and DEP forces enables both larger and/or clinically relevant volumes of blood, serum, plasma or other samples to be more directly, rapidly and efficiently analyzed. The invention enables the creation of “seamless” sample-to-answer diagnostic systems and devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the detection of an analyte containing polyamino acid. The object of the invention is to detect polyamino acids in a highly sensitive manner. The object is achieved in that an LM is coupled to a protein after chemical activation, and is complexed using a lanthanoid ion. In order to detect polyamino acids, the time resolved fluorescence measurement is utilized after electrophoretic separation. The detection limit is 0.5 pg per spot (bovine serum albumin), wherein the linear region extends across six orders of magnitude. The invention also relates to analytes containing nucleic acid.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes; an ion exchange membrane, an anode chamber one side of which contacts a surface of the ion exchange membrane, wherein the anode chamber further includes a ladder-shaped anode and an anode support part, and a cathode chamber, one side of which contacts a surface of the ion exchange membrane opposite the anode chamber, wherein the cathode chamber further comprises a cathode, wherein the ladder-shaped anode is formed on a first surface of the anode support part, openings are formed in the anode support part which conform to the shape of the ladder-shaped anode, and a second surface of the anode support part which opposes the first surface of the anode contacts and supports the ion exchange membrane.

Abstract: An electro-optic display apparatus includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electro-optic material, and an insulating layer. The second electrode faces the first electrode to form an electric field in cooperation with the first electrode. The electro-optic material is disposed between the first and second electrodes. The insulating layer is arranged on a surface of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode and contacts the electro-optic material. The electro-optic material includes a non-polar solvent forming a continuous phase, and a polar solvent dispersed in the non-polar solvent to form a droplet controlled by the electric field.

Abstract: A device for separating and purifying useful quantities of particles comprises: (a) an anolyte reservoir connected to an anode, the anolyte reservoir containing an electrophoresis buffer; (b) a catholyte reservoir connected to a cathode, the catholyte reservoir also containing the electrophoresis buffer; (c) a power supply connected to the anode and to the cathode; (d) a column having a first end inserted into the anolyte reservoir, a second end inserted into the catholyte reservoir, and containing a separation medium; (e) a light source; (f) a first optical fiber having a first fiber end inserted into the separation medium, and having a second fiber end connected to the light source; (g) a photo detector; (h) a second optical fiber having a third fiber end inserted into the separation medium, and having a fourth fiber end connected to the photo detector; and (i) an ion-exchange membrane in the anolyte reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blood marker for early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. More specifically, it relates to an analysis of the protein glycan profile in the blood, and the identification of specific peak ratio's when compared to healthy aged matched subjects that are typical for Alzheimer's dementia.

Abstract: In a separation buffer solution filling device, a microchip is arranged such reservoirs are opened on a surface on respective ends of channels including at least a main separation channel in which analysis is performed while a solution moves inside a plate-like member, and the reservoirs face upward. The filling device fills separation buffer solution into the channels by supplying air from an air supply port which is pushed while maintaining air-tightness onto a top of the reservoir filled with the separation buffer solution on either end of said channels. The air supply port is an opening on a front end of an air cylinder, and has a seal part on that opening. The filling device is pushed onto the reservoir while maintaining air-tightness by that seal part.

Abstract: A microfabricated device employing a bridging membrane and methods for electrokinetic transport of a liquid phase biological or chemical material using the same are described. The bridging membrane is deployed in or adjacent to a microchannel and permits either ionic current flow or the transport of gas species, while inhibiting the bulk flow of material. The use of bridging membranes in accordance with this invention is applicable to a variety of processes, including electrokinetically induced pressure flow in a region of a microehannel that is not influenced by an electric field, sample concentration enhancement and injection, as well as improving the analysis of materials where it is desired to eliminate electrophoretic bias. Other applications of the bridging membranes according to this invention include the separation of species from a sample material, valving of fluids in a microchannel network, mixing of different materials in a microchannel, and the pumping of fluids.

Abstract: In a device for transporting liquid, liquid to be transported is enclosed by an oil droplet, which is fractionated with air, for manipulation. Moreover, as a method for supplying liquids wherein a plurality of liquids are enclosed by an oil droplet sequentially and treated, liquid enclosed by an oil droplet is formed by associating one oil with one liquid in a liquid introducing section. According to the present invention, even in the case where a plurality of liquids are manipulated, it is possible to manipulate stably without affecting other liquids. Moreover, it is possible to treat as a liquid enclosed by an oil droplet successively in the device for transporting liquid, thereby allowing the invention to be applied to a system for analyzing easily.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device includes first and second substrates, with the first substrate including an opening for introduction of a fluid, and the second substrate including a multiplicity of electrodes. The device includes a transfer electrode, located at least partially opposite to the opening, at least two drop-forming electrodes, and a reservoir electrode, located between the transfer electrode and the drop-forming electrodes, and with an area that is at least equal to three times the area of each drop-forming electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oligonucleotide, comprising a part or the entire of the nucleotide sequence shown in any of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 15, or a part or the entire of the sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence shown in any of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 15, wherein the oligonucleotide is capable of hybridizing with the nucleotide sequence of Mycobacterium intracellulare (M. intracellulare) gene; a primer or a probe for the detection of M. intracellulare which comprises said oligonucleoride; and a method for detection of M. intracellulare using said primer and/or the probe.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of cell separation or isolation. In particular, the invention provides a method for separating cells, which method comprises: a) selectively staining cells to be separated with a dye so that there is a sufficient difference in a separable property of differentially stained cells; and b) separating said differentially stained cells via said separable property. Preferably, the separable property is dielectrophoretic property of the differentially stained cells and the differentially stained cells are separated or isolated via dielectrophoresis. Methods for separating various types of cells in blood samples are also provided. Centrifuge tubes useful in density gradient centrifugation and dielectrophoresis isolation devices useful for separating or isolating various types of cells are further provided.

Abstract: Nanofluidic entropic traps, comprising alternating thin and thick regions, sieve small molecules such as DNA or protein polymers and other molecules. The thick region is comparable or substantially larger than the molecule to be separated, while the thin region is substantially smaller than the size of the molecules to be separated. Due to the molecular size dependence of the entropic trapping effect, separation of molecules may be achieved. In addition, entropic traps are used to collect, trap and control many molecules in the nanofluidic channel. A fabrication method is disclosed to provide an efficient way to make nanofluidic constrictions in any fluidic devices.

Abstract: A biodegradable microfiber absorbent comprises a substantially homogeneous mixture of at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one biodegradable polymer. The absorbent can be prepared by an electro hydrodynamic spinning of a substantially homogeneous polymer mixture. Medical dressings for burns and wounds, cavity dressings, drug delivery patches, face masks, implants, drug carriers that comprises at least one microfiber electrospun from a polymer mixture are provided. The dressings can have variable water vapor penetration characteristics and variable biodegradation times.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining concentration of one or more target compounds in a sample solution containing one or more nontarget compounds that uses an affinity column to immobilize the target compounds. The target compounds are eluted and passed through a separation/detection system to determine quantitative measure of concentration for each of the target compound.

Abstract: A microfabricated device employing a bridging membrane and methods for electrokinetic transport of a liquid phase biological or chemical material using the same are described. The bridging membrane is deployed in or adjacent to a microchannel and permits either ionic current flow or the transport of gas species, while inhibiting the bulk flow of material. The use of bridging membranes in accordance with this invention is applicable to a variety of processes, including electrokinetically induced pressure flow in a region of a microchannel that is not influenced by an electric field, sample concentration enhancement and injection, as well as improving the analysis of materials where it is desired to eliminate electrophoretic bias. Other applications of the bridging membranes according to this invention include the separation of species from a sample material, valving of fluids in a microchannel network, mixing of different materials in a microchannel, and the pumping of fluids.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, kits and compositions useful in detecting degradative enzymes and biomolecules in bodily fluid samples.

Abstract: The invention concerns a free solution capillary electrophoresis method at alkaline pH for the analysis of samples comprising protein constituents including a lipoprotein constituent or constituents, characterized in that it comprises at least one step in which the sample is introduced into a capillary tube containing an analysis buffer, said analysis buffer further comprising at least one anionic surfactant type additive that is capable of hydrophobic interaction with the lipoprotein constituent(s) and of modifying the electrophoretic mobility. The invention also concerns a composition for capillary electrophoresis and a kit for analyzing protein constituents.

Abstract: The present invention relate to methods and devices for holding a cell and positioning recording electrodes inside it.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a connecting structure for connecting to an electro-osmotic flow pump with electrodes formed on both surfaces of electro-osmotic material, including: a first liquid absorber for absorbing liquid; and a second liquid absorber for absorbing the liquid, the second liquid absorber being superposed on the first liquid absorber and being flexible; wherein a surface of the second liquid absorber, which is opposite to a surface which is in contact with the first liquid absorber, is in contact with the electro-osmotic flow pump.

Abstract: There is provided a membrane electrophoresis which renders possible glycan analysis of polysaccharide and glycoprotein by separating protein, glycoprotein or polysaccharide by electrophoresis, followed by carrying out a glycan-releasing treatment of the membrane used in the electrophoresis, or a membrane electrophoresis which renders possible detection of the same by an immunostaining which uses an antibody, wherein a layer containing a hydrophilic polymer is formed on a hydrophobic polymer membrane by coating the hydrophilic polymer on the whole surface of the hydrophobic polymer membrane or by soaking the hydrophobic polymer membrane in a solution of the hydrophilic polymer, which is used as a substrate for electrophoresis.

Abstract: The present invention relates a use of the electrocapture-based separation technology combined with mass spectrometry (e.g. sequence of polypeptides by collision-induce dissociation mass spectrometry, for the identification and/or characterization molecules of interest). In addition, it relates physical interfaces between electrocapture-based separations and different types mass spectrometers for on-line analysis, as well as the coupling of electrocapture-based separations, liquid chromatography and different types of mass spectrometrometers. It also relates the combination of the electrocapture-base separation technology with other liquid separation methods, as e.g. liquid chromatography, in order to achieve multidimensional separations prior mass spectrometrical analysis. The invention also relates to a separation device comprising a capture device, a fluidic connector e.g. an electrospray source, an electrospray interface-source and a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to droplet-based particle sorting. According to one embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided and includes: (a) a suspension of particles; and (b) electrodes arranged for conducting droplet operations using droplets comprising particles. A method of transporting a particle is also provided, wherein the method includes providing a droplet comprising the particle and transporting the droplet on a droplet microactuator.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of tubular kidney diseases comprising the step of determining the presence or absence or amplitude of at least three polypeptide markers in a urine sample, the polypeptide marker being selected from the markers characterized in Table 1 by values for the molecular masses and migration times.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward methods of selectively functionalizing carbon nanotubes of a specific type or range of types, based on their electronic properties, using diazonium chemistry. The present invention is also directed toward methods of separating carbon nanotubes into populations of specific types or range(s) of types via selective functionalization and electrophoresis, and also to the novel compositions generated by such separations.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device for electrochemically regulating the pH of a fluid comprising: a cathode substrate; an anode substrate facing the cathode substrate and forming a reaction chamber with the cathode substrate; and a nonconductor which forms a boundary between the portions of the cathode substrate and the anode substrate that are capable of contacting one another, wherein at least one of the cathode substrate and the anode substrate is a semiconductor doped with impurities and the other is a metal electrode.

Abstract: Device for displacing drops of liquid by electrowetting, and a method for isolating two areas delimited by at least one wall including a step for: placing by electrowetting, in an aperture of said wall, a substance capable of reacting to at least one external stimulus in order to pass from a liquid state to a gel or solid state, forming a closure member.

Abstract: An electrokinetic pump achieves high and low flow rates without producing significant gaseous byproducts and without significant evolution of the pump fluid. A first feature of the pump is that the electrodes in the pump are capacitive with a capacitance of at least 10?4 Farads/cm2. A second feature of the pump is that it is configured to maximize the potential across the porous dielectric material. The pump can have either or both features.

Abstract: In electrophoretic media, it is advantageous to use pigment particles having a polymer chemically bonded to, or cross-linked around, the pigment particles, the polymer comprising repeating units derived from a fluorinated acrylate or fluorinated methacrylate monomer. The polymer desirably has a branched chain structure with side chains extending from a main chain. Desirably, the fluorinated acrylate or fluorinated methacrylate monomer comprises from 1 to 5 mole per cent of the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and separation media for separating analytes of interest via free flow electrophoresis (FFE) using volatile buffer systems. The separation media provided herein allow a convenient separation of the analytes by electrophoresis, and offer the additional advantage that the buffer compounds and the solvent can be easily and residue-free removed after the electrophoretic separation step. Furthermore, methods for mass spectrometric analysis of analytes comprising an FFE method and kits for carrying out FFE separations with volatile buffer systems are also provided. Preferably, the volatile buffer system is TRIS acetate.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to fluid processing and, in particular aspects, processing fluids for detection, selection, trapping and/or sorting of particulate moieties. Sheath flow devices described allow isolation of target species from fluid samples while avoiding non-specific binding of unwanted species to the surfaces of the separation device. Biological fluid processing, detection, sorting or selection of cells, proteins, and nucleic acids is described. The invention finds particular use in diagnostic settings, analyzing a patient's medical condition, monitoring and/or adjusting a therapeutic regimen and producing cell based products.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method which enables easy and efficient production of fine electret fine particles without the conventional pulverization or screening process. The method of producing electret fine particles comprises emulsifying a fluorine-containing compound in the liquid phase under atmospheric or elevated pressure in a liquid incompatible with the fluorine-containing compound, to obtain emulsified particles, and irradiating the emulsified particles with an electron ray or a radial ray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the detection and/or enrichment of a large number of different analyte proteins and/or analyte peptides from a sample mixture which includes proteins and/or peptides. The method includes the following steps: a) provision of the sample mixture and, where appropriate, fragmentation of the proteins contained therein into defined peptides, b) provision of first binding molecules which are specific for a peptide epitope of at least one of the various analyte proteins and/or analyte peptides, whereby the peptide epitope includes up to a maximum of five, preferably two to three, amino acids, c) incubation of the first binding molecules with the sample mixture, and d) detection and/or enrichment of the analyte proteins and/or analyte peptides bound to the first binding molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanostructured device comprising a substrate including nanotroughs therein; and a lipid bilayer suspended on or supported in the substrate. A separation method is also provided comprising the steps of supporting or suspending a lipid bilayer on a substrate; wherein the substrate comprises nanostructures and wherein the lipid bilayer comprises at least one membrane associated biomolecule; and applying a driving force to the lipid bilayer to separate the membrane associated biomolecule from the lipid bilayer and to drive the membrane associated biomolecule into the nanostructures.